Old Glory Press Release
WASHINGTON, DC – Old Glory DC, greater Washington’s professional rugby team, will call Segra Field its home venue for 2021.
Segra Field, which is located in Leesburg, Virginia, will offer Old Glory’s fans the best possible presentation of the sport of rugby, from the properly dimensioned, top-quality turf field, to the clear sight-lines, comfortable seating, and festival-like match day experience that Old Glory fans have come to expect, with tailgating, a beer garden, and kids’ play zone.
“As we introduce new fans in our area to rugby, it is so important that we present the game in its pure form and in a truly professional venue that allows for our family-friendly, fan-first match day style,” said Old Glory Chairman, Chris Dunlavey. “Segra Field is simply beautiful. Our players and coaches are already in love with the field and support facilities, and it is only a matter of time until our supporters feel the same way about the venue and its surroundings.”
Head Coach Andrew Douglas notes that the move to Segra Field will not only elevate the fan experience, but also will enhance the game play itself.
“It is great to have Segra Field confirmed as our home venue for the 2021 season,” said Douglas. “It is a beautiful turf pitch, and having 5,000 fans right alongside the touchline will create a great atmosphere. To have a pitch that allows us to play a wide, expansive game is exciting for players and fans and not having football markings on the field will make it easier for everyone to follow play. We’re looking forward to working alongside D.C. United and we are certainly looking forward to the 2021 season.”
The move to the Loudoun-based stadium establishes a working relationship between Old Glory DC and D.C. United, as Segra Field is home to the Major League Soccer team’s United Soccer League side, Loudoun United FC.
“Our vision, in partnership with the Economic Development team of Loudoun County, for Segra Field is to create a community hub, a place for families and friends to gather and create lifelong memories together while enjoying a diverse set of sporting and entertainment events,” said Jason Levien, Co-Chairman and CEO of D.C. United. “We’re thrilled to be able to welcome our professional rugby team, Old Glory, to our home in Leesburg, joining the Washington Spirit and Loudoun United FC.”
Old Glory is eager to become part of the Leesburg and Loudoun County communities, both to introduce its current fan base to the area and to become a part of the neighborhood fabric.
“We understand this will be a longer drive for some, especially Marylanders like myself,” said Old Glory Owner Paul Sheehy. “It was a difficult decision to leave the wonderful experience Old Glory fans have enjoyed for two seasons at Cardinal Stadium. The question is – is the drive worth it? We believe that answer is yes. With 5,000 seats, tailgating areas, endless additional fields, metro close by and a legitimate rugby pitch for our players welfare and for coach Douglas’s expansive style, OG fans will now have one of the premier venues in MLR. We deserve this!”
As with all big moves, this enormous step forward for Old Glory comes with some goodbyes. Old Glory will bid farewell to its prior home for the 2019 exhibition season and 2020 inaugural Major League Rugby season, Catholic University’s Cardinal Stadium.
“Catholic University and, in particular, its Athletic Department have been unbelievably supportive partners to us as we launched our organization,” said Dunlavey. “What a great University and a class group of people. We look forward to maintaining a long-term relationship with the institution and hope to work together in growing the sport of rugby in the future. But, especially in this year impacted by COVID-19, it seemed clear we shouldn’t try to jam our own schedule and demands into the complex situation the University is facing in solving for its impacted Athletics schedule, overall enrollment management, and campus safety protocols.”
Old Glory and D.C. United are working together to ensure all of the 2021 events held at Segra Field for the rugby club are each a model of public safety and responsible health policy. Loudoun United has already successfully hosted competitive USL matches with limited attendance and social distancing protocol in collaboration with local government policies during 2020, and Old Glory has already begun to host socially-distanced academy combines and training at Segra.
To celebrate the new home of Old Glory, the club invites all of its current fans, new neighbors, and other curiosity-seekers to Segra Field for a stadium Open House on Sunday, November 8th from 10 AM to 3 PM. Explore all of the different seating opportunities available at our new state-of-the-art facility, scout seats, and learn about the game and its rich culture before we kick-off our first full season at our new home.
